Another insightful article by Alex Steffan. This one concerns “the Swap” and argues that it is a pipe-dream solution to our global problems. Real change will come about when engaged, optimistic citizens with critical thinking skills get together to provide solutions on a localized level to help solve our global crisis.

Photo by Edward Burtynsky.

Followers of Tao believe that there is a core spirit to which each of us should return. This core spirit is increasingly obscured by our own thoughts and the complexity of civilization. All education, while a necessary evil, is a stain upon the primal soul. Therefore, returning is a process of simplification that throws off the unnecessary problems of socialization. One gradually peels back the layers and makes one’s way back to the unsullied, pure inner person. The time to do this is long, and one needs a great deal of guidance and self-cultivation to achieve it, but until one returns to the natural state, one cannot truly hope to be one with Tao.

- Deng Ming-Dao

This is a great site. Perfect for browsing. The Movie title stills collection is a site with a rich collection of classic movie stills from the golden age of cinema to present. It’s the brainchild of Christian Annyas, a Dutch graphic designer. It’s awesome. I love the design of the site. It appeals to my aesthetics.

“Unit Editions is a new, progressive publishing venture producing high-quality, affordable books on graphic design and visual culture.”
- Unit Editions

So begins a new era of design publishing. Unit is a collaboration between Tony Brook (Spin) and Adrian Shaughnessy (ShaughnessyWorks). Yes, the Adrian Shaughnessy who wrote the excellent Graphic Design: A User’s Manual and How To Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul. Both books have been bibles in my library.

The newest offering from Unit is Studio Culture. This book sounds dynamite, with an honest look into the nuts and bolts of starting and running a studio. To celebrate the launch, a special edition of Studio Culture is available, complete with a colored dust jacket and signed by both Mr. Brook and Mr. Shaughnessy. When I found out, I immediately ordered one through the Unit Editions site. I’m sure it will sit rightfully at the sweet spot of my book shelf, ready for repeated viewings.

Murder on a Sunday Morning without a doubt outmatches any CSI, SVU, Law & Order, SUV or any other television crime drama when it comes to plot, drama, and suspense. AND it’s true. A totally riveting documentary that is not only engrossing, but leaves you seriously questioning the constructive role of police in our society. I can’t say enough about it. It’s great.

I found out in December that the CBO cost estimate of the Kerry-Boxer Energy Bill will create a 21 billion dollar SURPLUS through the year 2019. You can see the report of S. 1733 – Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act here. This is a re-post from my former blog.

Last year Sagmeister got the 7-year itch. He chronicled another one of his year-long sabbatical journeys at Make | Think in Memphis last fall. What a great idea. Now wouldn’t that be nice? Let’s all plan a year-long sabbatical.

Lunch on a Bike

My good friend Ulana moved to Jersey recently, and I miss her. So I’m posting her work, because it’s like having a little conversation with her. “Howdy Ulana. Boy, your work is boss. I love it. I sure would like to have some of that great art. Where do you go to see more of it?” Ulanaland, of course.

For some time I have been thinking about how Milwaukee needs an ecologically-minded site that covers local issues, news, and provides resources for people, as well as a social networking forum. Greener Milwaukee is a social networking site created by Ryan Thompson, which provides a space for green-minded individuals to network while providing updates on the green scene, and lists upcoming eco-events that will interest many greenies here. May your site flourish like guerrilla rain gardens, Ryan.